SKH-1c-1962D-02 Spiked Head

Description

Representing the second cataloged Spiked Head variety for the 1962-D Lincoln Memorial Cent, SKH-1c-1962D-02 documents another instance of a die crack or break extending from Lincoln's head to create a distinctive spike-like projection on struck coins. Each Spiked Head variety originates from a unique die, and the position, length, and angle of the spike differ from one die to the next because the underlying fracture follows the path of least resistance through the die steel — a path determined by the specific pattern of internal stresses, microscopic grain structure, and accumulated fatigue damage unique to that particular piece of steel. This variety is cross-referenced in the Cohen Index as 62D-57, placing it within Cohen's systematic die-crack catalog several entries beyond the first Spiked Head (62D-54C), which confirms that the two varieties originate from different dies with distinct crack patterns. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, this variety emerged from the same enormous Denver Mint production that generated over 1.79 billion Lincoln cents in 1962 — a volume that required so many die pairs that die failures of all kinds, from subtle cracks to dramatic spikes, were virtually inevitable across the production run. The Spiked Head phenomenon is particularly collectible because it transforms the most recognizable element of the coin's design — Lincoln's portrait — in a way that is immediately noticeable without specialized equipment, making these varieties accessible to beginning collectors while still carrying the attribution rigor that appeals to advanced specialists.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Nolan Workman
• Cross reference: Cohen Index 62D-57. 10/30/2017.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References